Abstract: Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the skin and mucosal surfaces. It affects between 0.5 and 1% of the population. In allopathic system of medicine, there is no cure for Lichen Planus. Homeopathy provides a rapid and long lasting cure in patients suffering from Lichen planus. Below is one such case, where the patient tried other forms of treatment before opting for homeopathic treatment. The present case shows that the Homoeopathic medicine, when chosen on the basis of individualization, helps in the treatment of seemingly untreatable cases like Lichen Planus.
Introduction: (Lichen→ tree moss, Planus- flat). Lichen Planus is a unique common inflammatory disorder affecting skin, mucous membranes, nails and hair. Lichen planus affects skin, mucous membranes and nail. Skin affected alone in 75%, skin and mucous membranes in 23% and mucous membranes alone in 6%. Classical cutaneous lesions-faintly erythematous to violaceous, flat-topped, polygonal papules sometimes showing small umbilication.
Clinical features:
- Lichen Planus begins as faintly erythematous macules which form purplish papules over several weeks.
- Sometimes multiple lesions develop in short time with dissemination following initial appearance of few papules.
- Further spread of lesions after initial limited expression occurs in third of cases.
- Lesions are usually distributed symmetrically and bilaterally over extremities-tends to involve flexural areas of wrists, arms and legs, lumbar regions and ankles.
- Fine, whitish, puncta or reticulated networks referred as wickham striae are present over the surface of many well developed papules.
- Surface alteration is due to localized thickening of keratohyalin containing cell layers of stratum granulosum.
- Acute evolving stages-scratching, injury or trauma-may induce isomorphic phenomenon (Koebner’s phenomenon).
Presentation of the case
A 28-year-old previously healthy woman, presented with – hard dark eruptions on both arms since 5 years.
Patient noticed gradual hard eruptions on arms with very occasional itching. It had no pus or pain, it seem to become more prominent and permanent with time. The color of the eruptions was lighter in the start and had become darker with time.
With time these eruptions had appeared in legs, abdomen, chest and back.
Past history: No history of any significant illness.
Family history: no history of similar illness.
Thermal reaction: hot 2+
Thirst: normal
Desire: salty food
Aversion: Nil
Perspiration: normal
Stool: normal
Urine: normal
Mental general: She is mild, Introvert and concerned about her illness.
Diagnosis: Lichen Planus
Initially patient presented with no particular modalities. After trying various prescriptions, there was no change. Patient went for an assignment in coastal areas. She told that she has to take frequent trips to coastal areas, time to time, for various experiments. She observed that during and after such trips, the prominence and number of these eruptions increased every time.
Treatment: On the basis of symptom in Boericke Repertory, patient was given Natrum mur 200/1 dose
Plan: Medicines were given following various plans without any result. Ultimately the medicine was given on the basis of one symptom given in Boericke repertory
Follow up: Patient continued to report decrease in size and prominence of eruptions during follow up. Image above was again taken 3 months after giving Natrum mur 200/1dose.
Discussion: Homeopathic system of medicine is known to provide quick and long lasting relief in cases of lichen Planus. Many Lichen Planus show common symptoms which may be the reason of physicians not able to individualize the case and give long lasting relief. Even in this case, there were very less symptoms, which came to light after constant and repeated probing.
About this case, upon further study of the medicine Natrum mur – it is found that Natrum mur is found useful in cases which are aggravated at seashore
Conclusion: Many a times there is so much of paucity of symptoms that even after careful case taking and repertorisation, not much is achieved. Sometimes a prominent modality or keynote symptom, paves way for entering the case and cure of the patient. Lichen Planus is considered to have no cure in allopathy, so they focus on helping severe lesions heal and reducing pain or other discomfort only. Homeopathy provides long term relief and cure in Lichen Planus.
Dr Renu Pande, MD
Founding Member – HomeopathyPoint
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